Rev. John Fortin named superintendent of schools for Manchester diocese

Bishop Peter A. Libasci has appointed the Rev. John R. Fortin, O.S.B. to serve as the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Manchester.

Fortin will join the diocesan staff on Monday, June 3,

Fortin said, "These schools have both a proud tradition of forming young men and women in the faith as well as a long heritage of academic excellence. They have great potential to form the next generation of Catholics engaged in evangelization throughout the diocese. I look forward to working with the principals, faculties, staffs, and parents in our Catholic schools community to assist them in their outstanding efforts to develop and advance the quality and excellence of the schools."

Fortin professed vows as a monk of Saint Anselm Abbey in 1970.

He graduated with a degree in philosophy from Saint Anselm College and pursued theological studies at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Mass, prior to his ordination to the priesthood in 1976.

He holds a master's degree in the Great Books from St. John's College in Santa Fe, N.M., and a master's degree and a doctorate in medieval studies from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.

Following his ordination, he was assigned to Woodside Priory School in California where he was a teacher and then headmaster.

Since 1981, he has served at Saint Anselm College in many capacities, on the Campus Ministry staff, on the Residential Life staff, as dean of students, as a member of the Governing Board and Board of Trustees, and as a member of numerous college committees and task forces.

He served on the Diocese of Manchester Presbyteral Council, chaired the Diocesan Task Force on Education and Formation in 2003-04, served as a member of the Diocesan School Board, and served on the Board of Advisors for Trinity High School.

He is the founding director of the Institute for Saint Anselm Studies at Saint Anselm College and a professor in the philosophy department.

He has published several books and articles in scholarly journals and has given presentations at professional conferences on a variety of medieval subjects. He also preaches retreats and days of recollection for clergy, religious communities, schools, and parishes.

Bishop Libasci expressed his deep gratitude to the Very Rev. Dennis J. Audet, VF, who served as interim superintendent of schools since August, 2012, in addition to his many other responsibilities as dean of the Lakes Region Deanery and as pastor of St. Charles Parish.

Bishop Libasci said, "Father Audet has been a passionate and devoted supporter and leader of Catholic schools for many years and has generously offered his time and his talents to promote Catholic education."

The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 285,000 Catholics.